Naturalist Selemonas Paltanavičius Uses Stories to Teach Children About Nature and Language

Lithuanian naturalist Selemonas Paltanavičius has authored a new book, "The Green Mouse Nest," which he describes as being for children across three age groups: those just beginning to read, older children who prefer shorter, more concrete stories, and independent readers. The book, like his previous works, focuses on nature, telling the story of a mouse and other characters.

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You know, we don't have anything to write with the children, especially primary schoolers, there isn't any special literature, maybe you can write one?

Paltanavičius explained that the title refers to a mouse's nest made from grass, which remains green because the mouse doesn't cut or eat the grass. The book originated from requests by teachers during school visits who noted a lack of suitable literature for writing dictations with young students. "You know, we don't have anything to write with the children, especially primary schoolers, there isn't any special literature, maybe you can write one?" teachers reportedly asked.

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To us, they are big and small, but in nature, all are equally important, they occupy some place. We simply should discard all the stencils that we have created or someone has instilled in us.

He believes that in nature, there are no big or small animals; all are equally important. "To us, they are big and small, but in nature, all are equally important, they occupy some place. We simply should discard all the stencils that we have created or someone has instilled in us," Paltanavičius stated. He uses scientific literature and experience even when writing about earthworms, emphasizing that presenting facts through play makes them more accessible and memorable for children than textbook material.

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Then, when children see that at least dad, mom reads every evening with a book, even for a little while, then they will do it themselves without being prompted, let alone forced.

As an author of 106 books, Paltanavičius advises parents who want to encourage reading by example. "Then, when children see that at least dad, mom reads every evening with a book, even for a little while, then they will do it themselves without being prompted, let alone forced," he said. Beyond teaching about nature, Paltanavičius aims to expand children's vocabulary, incorporating Lithuanian words and expressions that might be unfamiliar in the current digital age. He noted that children often don't know common Lithuanian words, like "žala" for a brown cow, highlighting the importance of preserving language.

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What is very important to me, of course, is nature, but children, without even realizing it, get a lot of Lithuanian words, expressions, and everything else.